Tuesday, August 16, 2022

Nihil Morte Dignum | Unworthy of Death

"This man is doing nothing to deserve death or imprisonment." — Acts 26:31 (ESV) 



Today’s reading is a continuation of the moment when Apostle Paul defends himself in front of King (Herod) Agrippa against the Jews’ accusation. He was explaining his journey from being a Pharisee then a Christian prosecutor all the way to a repented man who met Jesus himself and became His witness and servant to all the Jews and the Gentiles for the sake of their salvation (Acts 26:2-23). 

Having listened to what Paul explained, the King left the place but he told the Governor and other government officer who were present there that, “This man is doing nothing to deserve death or imprisonment” (v.31). Somehow Agrippa was touched by Paul’s testimony but he just didn’t want to surrender (v.28) and he shifted the responsibility to the Cesar as Paul had appealed to (v.32).

Apostle Paul’s experience reflects his master, our Lord Jesus Christ. It is unbelievable, that although His purpose to come into the world is to save the humankind from sin, and do nothing but all good, all noble, all about the truth, yet the world hated and killed Jesus. No wonder God the Father exalts Him to the highest place and gives Him the name that is above every name and expects every creature to bow down and worship Jesus as the Lord for the glory of the Father (Phil 2:9-11).

Every true Christian will one way or another face the same treatment because the servant is not greater than his Master (John 15:20). When there’s nothing we do deserve hatred, even death and imprisonment, remember what Jesus said, “These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). The question is, are we truly the servants of Jesus Christ? Is He our only true Master? 



Reflection on Acts 26:24-32 by Desire Litaay 
(Listen to the Podcast here)

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